Simple Play for Big Development
Looking for easy, engaging ideas to support your baby’s development? These sensory-rich, baby-safe activities don’t require fancy equipment – just a bit of imagination and they’re all perfect for bonding and learning through play. Each one also supports key areas of your baby’s early development.
1. Sensory Bottles
Fill clear plastic bottles with materials like coloured water and oil, rice and beads or natural treasures. Make sure lids are tightly sealed.
🧠 Supports:
- Sensory development (visual and auditory stimulation)
- Physical development (grasping, shaking, tummy time interaction)
- Cognitive development (tracking, cause and effect)
2. Tummy Time Treasure Mat
Place safe textured items (like ribbons, foil (foil blankets from first aid kits work great), soft fabric etc) under a clear mat or a taped-down zip-lock bag for babies to look at and reach for during tummy time.
🧠 Supports:
- Physical development (neck and upper body strength)
- Sensory development (touch, sight)
- Personal, social & emotional (encouragement and praise during play)
3. Bubble Fun
Blow bubbles while your baby watches and reaches for them. Try singing while they float down for added fun!
🧠 Supports:
- Communication & language (listening and responding to singing or speech)
- Physical development (hand-eye coordination, tracking movement)
- Cognitive development (understanding movement and patterns)
4. High-Contrast Picture Time
Show black and white or high-contrast images in books or homemade cards. Let babies look, reach and react.
🧠 Supports:
- Visual development (tracking, contrast recognition)
- Cognitive development (memory, attention span)
- Communication & language (early sound play as you describe what they see)
5. Sing & Sign Sessions
Use simple songs and nursery rhymes alongside Makaton or hand gestures to support communication from an early age.
🧠 Supports:
- Communication & language (early vocabulary, non-verbal communication)
- Personal, social & emotional (bonding, responsive interaction)
- Expressive arts & design (music and rhythm appreciation)
6. Treasure Baskets (Supervised)
Offer a shallow basket with safe household objects of different materials (e.g. wooden spoon, sponge, ribbon, silicone whisk) for your baby to explore.
🧠 Supports:
- Sensory development (texture, shape, and sound exploration)
- Physical development (reaching, grasping, fine motor skills)
- Cognitive development (exploring through trial and error)
7. Peek-a-Boo Play
Play peek-a-boo using your hands, a scarf, or a soft book—babies love the surprise and repetition!
🧠 Supports:
- Cognitive development (object permanence)
- Personal, social & emotional (bonding, emotional responses)
- Communication & language (responsive interactions, anticipation)
Remember: Simple, responsive play is powerful. These moments of connection support not just your baby’s development, but your relationship too.
Guiding The Young Ones 
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